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Coronavirus hit to Nashville's budget could stretch to more than $300M

Much remains unknown as Nashville and the rest of the world continue to grapple with the spread of the coronavirus. As Nashville has taken needed health measures and ordered the closure of all nonessential businesses, the city's economy has been decimated by COVID-19. Unemployment is on the rise, the hospitality sector is collapsing, and hundreds of events and conventions have been canceled.

In Davidson County, health officials reported Thursday morning 293 confirmed cases with nearly a 100-year age range between those reporting the illness in Nashville.

Nashville Mayor John Cooper gives COVID-19 updates during a news conference at Lentz Public Health Center on March 13, 2020.(Photo: Courtney Pedroza / The Tennessean )

As a result, getting the city's finances in order has only gotten more difficult for Mayor John Cooper and his administration as they initially set to craft a budget to present on March 31, along with the State of Metro address.

Now, the coronavirus's impact on the Nashville economy could mean a financial hit to the city budget of as much as $300 million, according to At-large council member Bob Mendes, the chair of the council's budget committee.

In an interview with The Tennessean on Thursday, Cooper said there remains a lot of uncertainty over the numbers, including how much aid the federal government could provide to cities like Nashville.

Without better estimates, Cooper said he will not present a detailed budget next week.

"We don't know enough to be able to do that," he said. "We have an obligation to do it when we know enough to do a good job with it or because we have to (with a deadline)."

To be sure, the impact to the city's finances will be "extraordinary," particularly leaving a "massive hole" in the last quarter of this year's budget. The city already had to rebalance the budget to account for a nearly $42 million shortfall. Now it must do it again, Cooper said.

The administration, he said, will have to further curtail the capital spending plan and has implemented a Metro government hiring freeze and travel restrictions.

Metro must approve next year's budget by June 30 to the state, but has options to amend it as late as mid-September.

In an email to council members Thursday, Mendes said the council will postpone budget hearings and the deadline for responding to budget questions "indefinitely." A new schedule will be released once decisions are made.

Officials are in the early stages of assessing damages from both the storm and now hits to the city's revenue based on needed heath policy decisions from the coronavirus outbreak.

Cooper has utilized daily briefings as an opportunity to provide health- and storm-related updates.

On Thursday, he said the latest figures on the EF3 tornado that moved through parts of the city March 3 showed damage to 1,989 residential and 253 commercial properties.

Crosses remain hanging at St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church in the North Nashville neighborhood Tuesday, March 17, 2020, in Nashville, Tenn. A tornado came though Nashville two weeks prior. Courtney Pedroza / The Tennessean

Michael Dennis looks toward his living room in the North Nashville neighborhood Tuesday, March 17, 2020, in Nashville, Tenn. A tornado came though Nashville two weeks prior. Courtney Pedroza / The Tennessean

Tracey Watkins stands on her front porch after her house was damaged from a tornado two weeks prior in the North Nashville neighborhood Tuesday, March 17, 2020, in Nashville, Tenn. Courtney Pedroza / The Tennessean

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"Our challenge right now is responding to two disasters," Cooper said.

With moving targets due to the quickly unfolding COVID-19 outbreak, Metro Finance Chair Kevin Crumbo avoided giving estimates on the financial hit at a council budget meeting March 9. Instead, at the time, he assured the city has enough resources to address tornado recovery efforts and is committed to doing so.

Mendes shared the $300 million "work-in-progress" estimate in a blog post Thursday, including some insight from his conversations with Cooper and Crumbo over recent days.

He stressed the need to understand that the number is a week-old figure and could be potentially outdated. Numbers could be changing by $100 million within a few days, he said.

"I’m going to trust you all to remember the context. Significant unknowns. Evolving conditions. Today’s best estimates may well be wrong," Mendes wrote. "I believe Finance is making progress on understanding the range of possible outcomes."

People cross Lower Broadway at 3rd Ave. in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, May 25, 2020. Nashville started the second phase of reopening on Monday, allowing restaurants and retail stores to open at 75% capacity and salons, gyms and attractions to open at half capacity. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Patrons look out of the window from Kid Rock's Big Honky Tonk & Steakhouse at Lower Broadway in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, May 25, 2020. Nashville started the second phase of reopening on Monday, allowing restaurants and retail stores to open at 75% capacity and salons, gyms and attractions to open at half capacity. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Patrons gather on a balcony at Honky Tonk Central on Lower Broadway in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, May 25, 2020. Nashville started the second phase of reopening on Monday, allowing restaurants and retail stores to open at 75% capacity and salons, gyms and attractions to open at half capacity. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Melaya Weisner, 10, of Eads, runs sprints along the levee Tuesday, May 26, 2020, at Herb Parsons Lake in Collierville. Weisner competes in soccer and cross country and trains with her mother, Cristen, at the park regularly. Max Gersh / The Commercial Appeal

Darrell Uselton of Bartlett sets out on his pond prowler to fish Tuesday, May 26, 2020, at Herb Parsons Lake in Collierville. Uselton said he's been fishing the lake for about 40 years. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, he has noticed an increase of fishermen on the lake. For Uselton, being on the water isn't just good social distancing, but also a good mental distraction. "When I'm out here fishing, I don't think about anything but fishing and the wildlife around me," Uselton said. "It's a great escape." Max Gersh / The Commercial Appeal

People enjoy nice weather as the temperature reaches the low 90s at Percy Priest Lake in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, May 25, 2020. Nashville started the second phase of reopening on Monday, allowing restaurants and retail stores to open at 75% capacity and salons, gyms and attractions to open at half capacity. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

People enjoy nice weather as the temperature reaches the low 90s at Percy Priest Lake in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, May 25, 2020. Nashville started the second phase of reopening on Monday, allowing restaurants and retail stores to open at 75% capacity and salons, gyms and attractions to open at half capacity. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

People clear the lakefront as a thunderstorm rolls in at Percy Priest Lake in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, May 25, 2020. Nashville started the second phase of reopening on Monday, allowing restaurants and retail stores to open at 75% capacity and salons, gyms and attractions to open at half capacity. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Joe Trammell helps his fiancée, Melissa Wilson, tie a bandana around her face as a mask while waiting in line Monday, May 18, 2020, at Southland Casino Racing in West Memphis. Max Gersh / The Commercial Appeal

A drone light show to salute and thank healthcare heroes, frontline workers and first responders flies above Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, May 15, 2020. During the 10-minute show by Nashville based StrictlyFX, 140 drones flew 500 feet above the stadium, as a thank you after the recent tornado and current pandemic. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

A drone light show to salute and thank healthcare heroes, frontline workers and first responders flies above Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, May 15, 2020. During the 10-minute show by Nashville based StrictlyFX, 140 drones flew 500 feet above the stadium, as a thank you after the recent tornado and current pandemic. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Patrons dine on the roof of Tootsies Orchid Lounge on Lower Broadway in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, May 12, 2020. Many businesses in Nashville reopened Monday under Phase One of the city's reopening plan. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Server Monique Thomas bring breakfast to longtime customer Chuck Carter at Athens Family Restaurant Monday, May 11, 2020, in Nashville, Tenn. Nonessential businesses have been closed for seven weeks due to the coronavirus pandemic, including no in-person dining at restaurants. Mayor John Cooper is allowing them to open in the first phase of lifting coronavirus restrictions. Shelley Mays / The Tennessean

Cody Pope, of Nashville, browses through DVDs at McKay's Used Books in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, May 11, 2020. Many businesses in Nashville reopened Monday under Phase One of the city's reopening plan. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Preston Butts labels a car windshield as to how many families are in the vehicle and if they prefer the food in the trunk or back seat Wednesday, May 13, 2020, at Memphis Athletic Ministries' mobile food pantry at Leawood Baptist Church in Memphis. Max Gersh / The Commercial Appeal

Julian Kuykendall, right, has a drink with Francisco Roman at Alfred's on Beale Street as establishments slowly reopen, part of the city's Phase 1 plan on restarting the economy Friday, May 8, 2020. Joe Rondone/The Commercial Appeal

After being away from his shop for over six weeks Greg Smith is glad to be back cutting hair in Lebanon, Tenn. Wednesday, May 6, 2020. His first customer of the day was Brandon Schramm who said he had waited way too long for a haircut.
Larry McCormack / The Tennessean

David Khalili, a barber at Daniel's Barbershop in downtown Columbia, Tenn., gives a customer a haircut on the first day of business on Wednesday, May 6, 2020, following an extended closure due to the coronavirus pandemic. Mike Christen / The Daily Herald

Jurek Williamson, the owner of King's Temple Barber Shop in Memphis, cuts the hair of Dashawn Whiting, 16, on the first day he is able to reopen his shop during Phase 1 of the city's plan to restart the economy after it was shuttered over fears stemming from spread of the coronavirus pandemic. Joe Rondone

Franklin High principal Willie Dickerson hand out caps and gowns to graduating seniors like Ally Cartwright and Molly Beth O'Neal during a drive-thru pick up lane at the school in Franklin on Wednesday, May 6, 2020. Shelley Mays/The Tennessean

MJ Shirley, 7, runs with Cookie Dough on Thursday, April 30, 2020. Shirley's family is with Family Pet Health, which is joining forces with Heather Moore from Wag It Better Dog Training to start the Walk my Dog program. HELEN COMER/DNJ

Father Bryan Timby of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Memphis, Tenn. on Good Friday April 10, 2020 as the church holds confessionals with marked, spaced flooring for social distancing and plans for a virtual Sunday Easter service. "The foundation of any faith is hope, and a brighter tomorrow. We don't know what it is going to look like, we just know it is going to be better than we have today," said Timby. Joe Rondone/The Commercial Appeal

Mary "Kat" Newman, a funeral director at Hellum funeral home in Murfreesboro, stands next to a casket at the window, on Friday, May 1, 2020, where family members and friends can drive by to view their loved ones from the safety of their vehicles. HELEN COMER/DNJ

Hillwood High School senior Ella Bowles tries on her cap after picking it up for her upcoming graduation ceremony at Hillwood High School Thursday, May 7, 2020 in Nashville, Tenn. The high school will hold a drive-thru ceremony May 19th for graduates at their campus. George Walker IV / The Tennessean

Pam Jones wears gloves and a face mask as she grabs her bag after completing her purchase at Bella's Boutique on the Square in downtown Murfreesboro, on Wednesday, April 29, 2020. Wednesday was the first day retail stores have been allowed to have customers inside their stores, since the COVID-19 shutdowns. Employees must wear masks and gloves in the store while working. HELEN COMER/DNJ

Judy Goldie sweeps the sidewalk in front of her Bella’s Boutique on the first day that retail stores are allowed to reopen for customers to shop inside, on Wednesday, April 29, 2020. Goldie's three shops Bella’s Boutique, Trendy Pieces and The Marketplace all in downtown Murfreesboro have all been closed to the public for nearly a month due to COVID-19. When asked what her thoughts were on reopening Goldie said "We couldn't be more thrilled to be open, we have been closed for nearly a month" and I know a lot of people are still reluctant to come into the store so we are still offering curbside service and online shopping available from our website." HELEN COMER/DNJ

A note outside Puckett's Grocery & Restaurant in downtown Murfreesboro asks three questions of patrons before they enter the restaurant to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The restaurant reopened its dining areas on Monday, April 27, 2020, for the first time since being forced to close because of the coronavirus. HELEN COMER/DNJ

Caroline Jefferies, 9, and Maddie Grace Merriman, 14, write encouraging messages in chalk for neighbors and city service workers on the street of their Wild Oaks neighborhood in Memphis on Tuesday, April 28, 2020. Joe Rondone/The Commercial Appeal

Margaritas Hostess Cassidy Marler takes the temperature of patron Michelle Nelson as she enters the restaurant in Atoka, Tenn. on Monday as dine-in restrictions are lifted in the state for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic forced a partial economic shutdown. Joe Rondone/The Commercial Appeal

Margaritas waitress Gloria Roman cleans tables for customers at the restaurant in Atoka, Tenn. Monday as dine-in restrictions are lifted in the state for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic forced a partial economic shutdown. Joe Rondone/The Commercial Appeal

Margaritas waitress Gloria Roman serves Allen Keough and his wife Shari at the restaurant in Atoka, Tenn. Monday as dine-in restrictions are lifted in the state for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic forced a partial economic shutdown. Joe Rondone/The Commercial Appeal

People worship from within their cars during the "Beyond Our Walls" drive-in church service hosted by Grace Chapel and other local churches at the Williamson County AG Expo Park in Franklin on Sunday, April 26, 2020. Alan Poizner

Cars fill the parking lots for the “Beyond Our Walls” drive-in church service hosted by Grace Chapel and other local churches at the Williamson County AG Expo Park in Franklin on Sunday, April 26, 2020. Alan Poizner

People pray in their cars during the "Beyond Our Walls" drive-in church service hosted by Grace Chapel and other local churches at the Williamson County AG Expo Park in Franklin on Sunday, April 26, 2020. Alan Poizner

Health professionals from West Tennessee health care place the swabs inside a test tube for COVID-19, showing symptoms or who are asymptomatic, at the Jackson Fairgrounds in Jackson, Tenn., Saturday, April 18, 2020. Hundreds arrive early before the gates open to get tested for COVID-19. Stephanie Amador / The Jackson Sun

Workers administer tests at a COVID-19 testing site at the Tennessee Smokies baseball stadium in Kodak, Tenn. on Saturday, April 18, 2020. Open from 8-4, the free test was held by the Sevier County Health Department for anyone experiencing symptoms. Corie Gouge, with the East Tennessee Regional Health Office, said the site was administering around 100 tests per hour. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Medical personnel administer coronavirus tests at the Robertson County Fairgrounds in Springfield, Tenn., Saturday, April 18, 2020. Hundreds showed up for COVID-19 tests administered by members of the Tennessee National Guard and the Tennessee Department of Health as testing was opened up for those not displaying traditional symptoms. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Despite telling people he can't hug them Daryl Mackin, the Founder of A Soldier's Child, gets a hug from Peggy Naseman as Mackin bring her and her kids a pot of stew, as party of Operation Stew, on Friday, April 17, 2020, in Murfreesboro. HELEN COMER/DNJ

Trista Grissom, left, with Balfour TN hands out caps and gowns to a Siegel seniors Jackson White, center and Ryan Greene, right on Wednesday, April 15, 2020, at Siegel High School as the school's seniors drove by the school to pick up items for their graduation, on what was Siegel's Spirit week. HELEN COMER/DNJ

Siegel assistant principal Lori Gober waves and tells seniors that she misses them as she passes out Siegel 2020 yard signs as the seniors stop by the High School to pick up their caps and gowns, on Wednesday, April 15, 2020, in Murfreesboro. HELEN COMER/DNJ

Cars line up as Kelly Davis cleans off the table, on Tuesday, April 14, 2020, in Murfreesboro where family meals are placed for pick-up. The table is cleaned after each pick-up at The Boys & Girls Clubs of Rutherford County in Murfreesboro. The club provides meals to children and their families Monday through Friday during the COVID-19 pandemic. HELEN COMER/DNJ

Cars drive pasts homes during a car parade in Brentwood, Tenn., Saturday, April 11, 2020. Auto enthusiasts paraded over 100 cars through Brentwood neighborhoods off of Concord Road to entertain families stuck at home during the coronavirus pandemic. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Residents wave as cars drive pasts homes during a car parade in Brentwood, Tenn., Saturday, April 11, 2020. Auto enthusiasts paraded over 100 cars through Brentwood neighborhoods off of Concord Road to entertain families stuck at home during the coronavirus pandemic. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

The Cannon County Court House reflects in the window of the IPA General Store in Woodbury, Tenn., on the Circle on Wednesday, April 8, 2020. The sign on the door shows that they are closed and there is a smaller note that tells customers how they can get items from the store if they would like to purchase something. HELEN COMER/DNJ

Addison Cooper, right bags groceries and checks customers out at JR's Foodland, in Murfreesboro, Tenn. on Wednesday April 8, 2020k, as Steve Rutledge, left, gets ready to pay for his food. HELEN COMER/DNJ

Blue lights light up the Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, April 9, 2020. Buildings around the country are being lit blue on Thursday to serve as a thank you to first responders, healthcare workers and essential staff battling the coronavirus pandemic. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Terry Phillips,, right, TDOT operation district technician, and Doug Tarwater, a district engineer, load buckets of hand sanitizer provided by Old Forge Distillery on Thursday, April 9, 2020. The distillery has converted their operation to make hand sanitizer and close to 1000 gallons of hand sanitizer has been provided to the Tennessee Department of Transportation and Tennessee Emergency Management Agency.
Saul Young/News Sentinel

Keener Shanton, head distiller at Old Forge Distillery in Pigeon Forge, pours pure alcohol into a storage container on Thursday, April 9, 2020 that will be used to make hand sanitizer. "Hand Sanitizer production is not much different for us in the whiskey industry," said Shanton. "We were already making alcohol." Saul Young/News Sentinel

Josephine Kanowitz, 7, greets extended family virtually over a Zoom meeting with her brother Ari, 6, and parents Mary and Aaron in the background as they celebrate Seder on Wednesday, April 8, 2020 in Memphis. "We've got a lot of people on call right now, but it feels weird to have a computer with a seat at the table," said Mary Kanowitz. "But we are grateful to have the technology to gather." Joe Rondone / The Commercial Appeal

Aaron Kanowitz and his wife Mary read to their son Ari, 6, and daughter Josephine, 7, as the family celebrates Seder at home, with extended family and friends over a Zoom virtual meeting on Wednesday, April 8, 2020 in Memphis. Joe Rondone

Centennial High School students celebrate baseball coach Rob Baughman's 50th birthday with a surprise drive-by celebration on Thursday, April 9, 2020, in Franklin, Tenn. Baughman was at the school to turn the field lights on in support of student athletes to show that coaches are thinking of them during the COVID-19 pandemic. The baseball season was cut short when school and athletic activities were canceled. Mark Zaleski/ For the Tennessean

Heandersonville football coach James Beasley and his son Jett, 10, turn on the stadium lights at Hendersonville High School in Hendersonville, Tenn., Wednesday, April 8, 2020. Schools across the country are turning on their stadium lights at 8:20pm, for 20 minutes, to honor the Class of 2020. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

A jogger runs the track as the stadium lights are turned on at Hendersonville High School in Hendersonville, Tenn., Wednesday, April 8, 2020. Schools across the country are turning on their stadium lights at 8:20pm, for 20 minutes, to honor the Class of 2020. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

The Easter Bunny rides his bike, giving candy to children in the Canterbury neighborhood, in Thompson’s Station on Wednesday, April 8, 2020. FedEx pilot and Thompson’s Station resident Domenic Vitro dresses up as the Easter Bunny to help spread cheer during the "Safer at Home" order. Shelley Mays/The Tennessean

Ellie Spillyards, 11, draws hopscotch squares in chalk on the sidewalk Tuesday, April 7, 2020, on Melody Lane in Memphis. Spillyards has been using her newfound downtime to train to break the hopscotch world record. Max Gersh / The Commercial Appeal

Derrick Gainey casts his line into a pond Wednesday, April 8, 2020, along the Nonconnah Greenbelt in Memphis. Gainey said his normal fishing spot was closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Max Gersh / The Commercial Appeal

Nine-year-old Elia Scott waves in surprise from her driveway as friends and family drive past her family’s home honking their horns, waving and wishing her a happy birthday from their cars in Knoxville’s Island Home neighborhood on Monday, April 6, 2020. Elia had her entire ninth birthday party planned out before the coronavirus forced the cancellation of the party. Her mother, Jessica Scott, wanted to find a special way to celebrate Elia’s birthday while still social distancing and decided to invite friends and family to drive by and have a surprise birthday “car-honking parade” for Elia. On Monday afternoon—Elia’s birthday—Scott had her daughter come out to the front yard to take birthday photos, and Elia was then surprised by the steady parade of cars honking and wishing her happy birthday. Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel

A chalk message for students and their families at Cedar Bluff Elementary in West Knoxville on Monday, April 6, 2020. School staff spent the morning handing out Knox County Schools’ distance learning packets as well as food to area families. Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel

Sgt. Sam Shallenberger and other officers of Mt. Juliet Police sing Happy Birthday as they visit elementary school age children celebrating a birthday during the COVID-19 crisis in Mt. Juliet, Tenn. Friday, April 3, 2020. Larry McCormack / The Tennessean

Esme Harman waves to Mt. Juliet Police officers that came to visit her and sing Happy Birthday to her and others celebrating a birthday during the COVID-19 crisis in Mt. Juliet, Tenn. Friday, April 3, 2020. Larry McCormack / The Tennessean

The Greenland Dive parking lot at MTSU, which is normally packed this time of year is empty due to the University teaching most classes online on Wednesday, April 1, 2020, in Murfreesboro, Tenn. HELEN COMER/DNJ

Viewers comment while watching Palm Sunday Mass at Saint Stephen Catholic Community in Old Hickory, Tenn., Sunday, April 5, 2020. The mass was streamed through Facebook Live for parishioners to view from their homes. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Ott Denney, of White House, Tenn., holds his hands up while praying with his wife Kristen, left, and their children Kelby, second from left, 8, and Daisy, right, 10, during a park and pray event at TriStar Skyline Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, April 2, 2020. Participants parked outside of the medical center and prayed at their cars while practicing social distancing. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Elena Clayton hugs her husband Dustin Clayton, a nurse practitioner at Skyline, as their children Marshall, 12, and Olivia, 10, sit behind them during a park and pray event at TriStar Skyline Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, April 2, 2020. Participants parked outside of the medical center and prayed at their cars while practicing social distancing. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Sandy Martin, of Goodlettsville, Tenn., holds a sign during a park and pray event at TriStar Skyline Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, April 2, 2020. Participants parked outside of the medical center and prayed at their cars while practicing social distancing. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Liliana Cardoso reads next to a pond Thursday, April 2, 2020, at Shelby Farms Park in Memphis. Cardoso brought her birds, Petrie (left), a green-cheeked conure, and Lucky, a cockatiel, to the park to get some fresh air. "They're cooped up in the house too," Cardoso said. "If we're able to enjoy this nice day, they should too." Max Gersh / The Commercial Appeal

Williamson County Health Department nurses Kelly Thompson and Felicia Lee conduct COVID-19 tests at a drive-thru site at the West Main location in Franklin on April 2, 2020. Shelley Mays/The Tennessean

Vanderbilt Medical Center nurse practioners Shannon Ellrich and Kathleen Donais took on the challenge of creating COVID-19 testing sites out of thin air in a hospital parking deck and a tent in south Nashville on Dayton Avenue in south Nashville.
photographed Thursday, March 26, 2020 in Nashville, Tenn. George Walker IV / The Tennessean

Volunteer Lindsey Kessler, center, unloads boxes of donated face shields during a personal protection equipment drive organized by Project C.U.R.E. outside of Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, March 29, 2020. The collected equipment will be distributed to local medical facilities in need of supplies due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

The Tennessee National Guard members clean off protective gear after every coronavirus swab test at the drive-thru site at the Putnam County Health Department in Cookeville on Friday, March 27, 2020. They're among the 250 soldiers and airmen mobilized to 35 drive-up testing sites largely in rural areas to assist county health department workers. Another 1,000 guard members are on standby. The state hasn't yet determined how long the sites will remain open. Shelley Mays/The Tennessean

The Tennessee National Guard member Justin Chambers performs a coronavirus swab test at a drive-thur site at the Putnam County Health Department in Cookeville on Friday, March 27, 2020. They're among the 250 soldiers and airmen mobilized to 35 drive-up testing sites largely in rural areas to assist county health department workers. Another 1,000 guard members are on standby. The state hasn't yet determined how long the sites will remain open. Shelley Mays/The Tennessean

Vickie Giuvens sews with her daughters Hope Dillard and Robin Moore who decided to make a few mask to help the cause. “I thought maybe we would do a dozen” Moore said. “ We did over 100 the first night. And we have requests for many more” in Carthage, Tenn. Monday, March 23, 2020. Larry McCormack / The Tennessean

Darlene Morton dropped off her homemade face mask with Doris McMillian in a parking lot on Monday, March 23, 2020. Franklin professional seamstress Doris McMillan and others are making cotton face masks for healthcare workers at Williamson County Medical Center on Monday, March 23, 2020. The face mask have a slit so workers can place a filter inside the mask. The Tennessean, Shelley Mays/The Tennessean

Gov. Bill Lee speaks to Tennessee National Guard members Thursday, March 26, 2020, in Smyrna, Tenn., before they are sent to assist in the fight against the coronavirus in counties through the state. Shelley Mays / The Tennessean

Austin Washington, 6, winds up to hit a ball from a tee Thursday, March 26, 2020, at Willow Road Park in Memphis. His father, Derrion Washington, is part of a softball league that was scheduled to start March 31, but it has been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. "The safest thing to do is to stay home," Derrion Washington said. "But a day like today, you just can't let it go to waste." He said he's worried about the coronavirus, but is taking precautions to minimize his risk. Max Gersh / The Commercial Appeal

David Denise plays the bagpipes from his front porch for his Franklin, Tenn. neighbors on Wednesday, March 26, 2020.
Denise plays to bringing hope and peace to his Franklin neighbors during the city's quarantine guidelines. Shelley Mays/ The Tennessean

Joseph Christian, a pastor from Olin, North Carolina preaches from the corner of Adams Avenue and North Second Street to a sparsely populated downtown Memphis on Wednesday, March 25, 2020. “The Lord brought me here three days ago, I had an unction to come to Memphis. All the churches are closed so now my pulpit is the streets,” said Christian. Joe Rondone/The Commercial Appeal

Joseph Christian, a pastor from Olin, North Carolina points to his notes to himself, on his copy of the Bible from the corner of Adams Avenue and North Second Street downtown Memphis on Wednesday, March 25, 2020. “The Lord brought me here three days ago, I had an unction to come to Memphis. All the churches are closed so now my pulpit is the streets,” said Christian. Joe Rondone/The Commercial Appeal

Reflected in her car's side mirror, Cynthia Barnes, a Clarksville resident, answers questions pertaining to her symptoms before taking the swab test for COVID-19 coronavirus at the Montgomery County Health Department in Clarksville, Tenn., on Friday, March 20, 2020. Henry Taylor/The Leaf-Chronicle

A member of the Montgomery County medical staff speaks with a patient seeking a test for COVID19 coronavirus at the Montgomery County Health Department in Clarksville, Tenn., on Friday, March 20, 2020. Henry Taylor/The Leaf-Chronicle

A Montgomery County medical staff member performs the nose swab test on Cynthia Barnes, left, to determine if she has the COVID19 coronavirus at the Montgomery County Health Department in Clarksville, Tenn., on Friday, March 20, 2020. Henry Taylor/The Leaf-Chronicle

Bobby Gordon, right, Nicole Gordon, center, and their daughter Cadence Gordon, 1, pose for a portrait through their front door at the Gordon Household in Clarksville, Tenn., on Friday, March 20, 2020. Nicole, who operates a seasonal pool cleaning company, and Bobby, a drummer who performs with bands in Nashville, are out of work due to the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak. Henry Taylor/The Leaf-Chronicle

Evan Sivels, a delivery truck operator for UPS, checks his phone against the setting sun while waiting for the time to pick up from a drop box at Public Square in Clarksville, Tenn., on Wednesday, March 18, 2020. Henry Taylor/The Leaf-Chronicle

Miguel Juarez and his daughter Megan Fonseca, 9, a 3rd grade student at Newberry Elementary, smile as they pick up Shelby County Schools K-12 learning packets and meals from Abundant Grace Fellowship Church on Shelby Drive Monday, March 23, 2020. The district school system has set up dozens of access points across the city in hopes of reaching children in need of nourishment and coursework supplies as the schools have shut down indefinitely over concerns of the spread of coronavirus. Joe Rondone/The Commercial Appeal

Mary Olds adjusts her protective face mask on a break in handing out Shelby County Schools K-12 learning packets and meals for children from Abundant Grace Fellowship Church on Shelby Drive Monday, March 23, 2020. The district school system has set up dozens of access points across the city in hopes of reaching children in need of nourishment and coursework supplies as the schools have shut down indefinitely over concerns of the spread of coronavirus. Joe Rondone/The Commercial Appeal

Twins Savannah and Josephine Hurt, 5, and their brother James Hurt, 3, search for stuffed bears in the windows of homes in the Stewart Springs subdivision Monday, March 23, 2020, in Murfreesboro, Tenn. The neighborhood created the scavenger hunt based on the book “We're Going on a Bear Hunt” for children in the area to give them an outdoor activity while isolating during the coronavirus outbreak. George Walker IV / The Tennessean

Neighbors in the Stewart Springs subdivision created a scavenger hunt based on the book “We're Going on a Bear Hunt” for children in the area to give them an outdoor activity while isolating during the coronavirus outbreak on Monday, March 23, 2020 in Murfreesboro, Tenn. George Walker IV / The Tennessean

Watertown High School Principal Darian Brown and Watertown Elementary School Principal Donna Shaffer deliver meal packages to waiting cars.
Wilson County Schools will be providing 2-day meal packages for pick up for children within the community 18 years or younger, between the hours of 10:30 a.m. and 12:00 noon on Wednesday March 25 and Friday March 27. Watertown, Tenn. Monday, March 23, 2020. Larry McCormack / The Tennessean

Barbara Rice helps put together breakfast and lunch packages to distribute to students in Watertown, Tenn. Monday, March 23, 2020. Wilson County Schools will be providing two-day meal packages for pickup for children 18 years or younger, between the hours of 10:30 a.m. and 12:00 noon on Wednesday, March 25 and Friday, March 27. Larry McCormack / The Tennessean

Lonsdale Elementary faculty and staff smile and wave to students and their families as meals are distributed in front of the elementary school on Monday, March 23, 2020. Knox County Schools is providing any child under the age of 18 free breakfast and lunch at 25 different sites across the county while schools are closed due to coronavirus concerns. Meals will be available through a drive-thru or walk-up service and will occur on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. until noon. Two days worth of food will be provided on Mondays and Wednesdays, and one day of food will be provided on Fridays, and children must be present to receive the meals. Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel

Austin-East High faculty and staff distribute meals to students in front of the high school on Monday, March 23, 2020. Knox County Schools is providing any child under the age of 18 free breakfast and lunch at 25 different sites across the county while schools are closed due to coronavirus concerns. Meals will be available through a drive-thru or walk-up service and will occur on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. until noon. Two days worth of food will be provided on Mondays and Wednesdays, and one day of food will be provided on Fridays, and children must be present to receive the meals. Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel

Andrea Eby, left, puts up a yard sign showing support for a doctor who is a neighbor Sunday, March 22, 2020, in Nolensville, Tenn. Several residents in the neighborhood put up signs thanking medical personnel for their work during the coronavirus outbreak. Mark Humphrey, Mark Humphrey / AP

John Bravo, of Gallatin, holds his hands up as music is performed during a parking lot service at Gallatin First Church of the Nazarene in Gallatin, Tenn., Sunday, March 22, 2020. The church hosted the drive-in service in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing congregants to safely watch from their parked cars, listening to the service via radio. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Congregants listen to the service from their parked cars during a parking lot service at Gallatin First Church of the Nazarene in Gallatin, Tenn., Sunday, March 22, 2020. The church hosted the drive-in service in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing congregants to safely watch from their parked cars, listening to the service via radio. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Because of the Coronavirus Senior Pastor Scott Sauls preaches to empty pews and his sermon is live streamed to the congregation at Christ Presbyterian that are sheltering in place at home in Nashville, Tenn. Sunday, March 22, 2020. Larry McCormack / The Tennessean

Because of the Coronavirus members of the Christ Presbyterian ministry team sit apart from each other and keep a respectable distance as they listen to the sermon from Senior Pastor Scott Sauls in Nashville, Tenn. Sunday, March 22, 2020. Larry McCormack / The Tennessean

Brian Harris prays Sunday, March 22, 2020, while live streaming the Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church service at his home in Collierville. Harris, who has been a congregant of the church for more than 35 years, said the COVID-19 outbreak is the only time he can remember not being able to worship in his church. "I know we're a community of faith. We're a community of believers," Harris said. "Here in the south, we're huggers. We love on people. Although we physically can't hug and we're encouraged not to do that, still love and check on people." Max Gersh / The Commercial Appeal

Kathy Tyson presses a birthday message to the window as she holds her granddaughter, Roselle Tyson, 3, while visiting her mother-in-law, Velma Jones, to celebrate her 86th birthday at The Waters of Smyrna in Smyrna, Tenn., Saturday, March 21, 2020. The nursing center has temporarily suspended visitation due to Coronavirus concerns, but the family was able to interact through the window with the aid of a phone. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Roselle Tyson, 3, waves to her great-grandmother, Velma Jones, left, while being held by her mother Melissa Tyson to celebrate Jones’ 86th birthday at The Waters of Smyrna in Smyrna, Tenn., Saturday, March 21, 2020. The nursing center has temporarily suspended visitation due to Coronavirus concerns, but the family was able to interact through the window with the aid of a phone. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Mezzo-soprano singer Tahanee Aluwihare performs to a crowd during the Opera Memphis "Sing to Me" concert in Harbor Bend Road on Mud Island on Saturday March 21,2020. Opera Memphis wants residents to practice social distancing while enjoying a live show. Ariel Cobbert/ The Commercial Appeal

Lauren Farina O'Brien, co-owner of Shakti Power Yoga, on Music Square is teaming up with other instructors, including Kelly Carter and Emily Wikel to stream yoga lessons to those in the community while they are in quarantine as a public service in Nashville, Tenn. Friday, March 20, 2020. Larry McCormack / The Tennessean

Fairview high school student Lexie Statton volunteers giving out food boxes to students and families at Westwood Elementary School Friday, March 20, 2020, in Fairview, Tenn. With extended school closures, school districts and nonprofits like One Generation Away and Graceworks Ministries are providing various food distribution opportunities around the county. George Walker IV / The Tennessean

Westwood Elementary School asst. principal Julie Lankford volunteers giving out food boxes to students and families at Westwood Elementary School Friday, March 20, 2020 in Fairview, Tenn. With extended school closures, school districts and nonprofits like One Generation Away and Graceworks Ministries are providing various food distribution opportunities around the county. George Walker IV / The Tennessean

A Montgomery County medical staffer presents the swab that will be used in their nose to collect a sample for COVID-19 testing at the Montgomery County Health Department in Clarksville, Tenn., on Thursday, March 19, 2020. Henry Taylor/The Leaf-Chronicle

TITLE Boxing Club trainer Drew Jernigan leads a group of live followers though a workout from the parking garage across from TITLE Boxing Club Nashville Church St. Friday, March 20, 2020, in Nashville, Tenn. Due to the coronavirus, many people aren't able to come into a gym to workout, so TITLE Boxing Club choose to release videos for free to their followers. Courtney Pedroza / The Tennessean

Felix, last name withheld, pauses in the center of the crosswalk along Main Street downtown as he looks over the city of Memphis on Thursday, March 19, 2020. "The streets are empty right now," said Felix who is visiting from Germany on vacation. "I imagine that is not always so." Joe Rondone/The Commercial Appeal

Distillery worker Tyler Crowell packs bottles of hand sanitizer at Corsair Distillery Thursday, March 19, 2020 in Nashville, Tenn. Corsair Distillery has halted production of their spirits and converted their operation to produce hand sanitizer to donate to those in need during the Coronavirus outbreak. George Walker IV / The Tennessean

Old Glory employee Nick Dycus walks past a tall wall of whiskey kegs while cooking corn for use in alcohol that will be used in sanitizer at Old Glory Distillery in Clarksville, Tenn., on Thursday, March 19, 2020. Henry Taylor/The Leaf-Chronicle

A sign advising guests to refrain from contact sits next to a bible and bottle of sanitizer in the foyer at McReynolds Nave & Larson Funeral Home in Clarksville, Tenn., on Wednesday, March 18, 2020. Henry Taylor/The Leaf-Chronicle

Charles Abraham, a warehouse receiving clerk at the Mid-South Food Bank, looks over the seven pallets with over 4000 pounds of food supplies donated by Horseshoe Casino after their operations were shut down due to concerns of the spread of coronavirus on Thursday, March 19, 2020. Joe Rondone/The Commercial Appeal

Sardor Umarov sprays down a parking meter outside of the Exchange Building Apartments downtown, a property his family owns, with the sanitizer Steramine amid concerns from the spread of coronavirus across the country on Thursday March 19, 2020. “One of the good things about being in small business, is being flexible, being able to pivot on a moment’s notice. You’re doing it for the betterment of your community. These are our neighbors, we didn’t wait for someone to tell us to use extra cleaning protocols, that was obvious,” said Umarov. Joe Rondone/The Commercial Appeal

Tony Perkerson, left, and Kwyn Bridges donate blood at the American Red Cross Friday, March 20, 2020, in Nashville, Tenn. Due to the coronavirus, many blood drives were canceled, however Red Cross still needs volunteers. Courtney Pedroza / The Tennessean

Aaron Warren puts on a fresh pair of gloves while preparing the daily pies at Aldo’s Pizza as they remain open at for dine-in, pick-up and delivery service on Wednesday, March 18, 2020. Joe Rondone/The Commercial Appeal

Cars and pedestrians are seen along the Parkway in Gatlinburg, Thursday, March 19, 2020. Officials say the region has seen less visitors than normal for this time of year, due to the coronavirus pandemic. Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel

Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee staff members work together to build Emergency Food Boxes at the food bank’s warehouse in Maryville on Thursday, March 19, 2020. The food bank is in urgent need of financial donations as well as volunteers to build Emergency Food Boxes. Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel

Few people venture out top flights at BNA.
Traffic is down at BNA as travelers have cancelled or curtailed their travel plans in light of the coronavirus in Nashville, Tenn. Wednesday, March 18, 2020. Larry McCormack / The Tennessean

Brandon Dickerson, 23, of Bartlett, wears rubber gloves while sanitizing frequently touched surfaces with a can of disinfectant spray Tuesday, March 17, 2020, at Stax Museum of American Soul Music in Memphis. Max Gersh / The Commercial Appeal

TSA agents help travelers make their way through Memphis International Airport on Monday, March 16, 2020. Airport officials say that travel is down around 50 percent nationwide from this time last year, likely due to concerns over the spread of coronavirus. Joe Rondone/The Commercial Appeal

Travelers make their way through Memphis International Airport on Monday, March 16, 2020. Airport officials say that travel is down around 50 percent nationwide from this time last year, likely due to concerns over the spread of coronavirus. Joe Rondone/The Commercial Appeal

Laura Snyder-Jones, center, works with other Cole staff in distributing food boxes to cars at Cole Elementary School in Antioch, Tenn., Wednesday, March 18, 2020. The Cole staff distributed food boxes provided by Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee and food bags provided by The Bridge Ministry to 244 cars. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Laura Snyder-Jones, center, works with other Cole staff in distributing food boxes to cars at Cole Elementary School in Antioch, Tenn., Wednesday, March 18, 2020. The Cole staff distributed food boxes provided by Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee and food bags provided by The Bridge Ministry to 244 cars. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Pratik Doshi volunteered to pick up groceries and deliver them to immune compromised neighbors as they isolate during the coronavirus outbreak Tuesday, March 17, 2020 in Nashville, Tenn. George Walker IV / The Tennessean

Kelsea Combs, left, peers out the door after sharing a bag of supplies with a homeless man at Madison Street United Methodist Church in Clarksville, Tenn., on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Henry Taylor/The Leaf-Chronicle

Wayne Garrison hits golf balls at the Harpeth Valley Golf Center as he gets some fresh air in the rain during the coronavirus pandemic Wednesday, March 18, 2020 in Nashville, Tenn. George Walker IV / The Tennessean

Mike Ridlon, of Kingston, fishes for trout near Norris Dam near Norris, Tennessee on Wednesday, March 18, 2020. Ridlon said fishing allows him to get out of the house during the coronavirus pandemic. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

The Rev. Thomas McKenzie serves communion to Don Klein who came by for the drive-thru communion outside the Church of the Redeemer in Nashville, Tenn. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Larry McCormack / The Tennessean

The Rev. Thomas McKenzie waits on the front porch of the Church of the Redeemer where he is hosting drive-thru communion this week and probably next in Nashville, Tenn. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Larry McCormack / The Tennessean

Adrian Dunlap, 16, grabs a bagged lunch from Kerstin Milledge, left, when he rode to school to grab a meal during a week where all CMCSS schools were closed at Kenwood High School in Clarksville, Tenn., on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Henry Taylor/The Leaf-Chronicle

Jammie Shade and Denise Rackley chat with parents and distribute lunch to their students out of school at Kenwood High School in Clarksville, Tenn., on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Henry Taylor/The Leaf-Chronicle

While some volunteers take a break from cooking and serving, others outside chat about how to distribute meals to those in need at Loaves and Fishes in Clarksville, Tenn., on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Henry Taylor/The Leaf-Chronicle

Health care professionals from Blount Memorial Hospital screen patients at a drive-thru site at East Tennessee Medical Group in Alcoa on Wednesday, March 18, 2020. The screening includes potential testing for COVID-19. Submitted by Blount Memorial Hospital

Bordeaux Center Dir Melvin Fowler fills a van with groceries that he was passing out to FiftyForward Bordeaux members from 11 – noon on Tuesday along with a hot meal in Nashville, Tenn. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Larry McCormack / The Tennessean

Brandon Dickerson, 23, of Bartlett, wears rubber gloves while sanitizing frequently touched surfaces with a can of disinfectant spray Tuesday, March 17, 2020, at Stax Museum of American Soul Music in Memphis. Max Gersh / The Commercial Appeal

Dino’s kitchen manager Taylor “Dip” Varnell delivers a take-out order to Jennifer Perry outside the restaurant Monday, March 16, 2020 in Nashville, Tenn. Dino’s Restaurant has moved to only take-out food after closing their dining room in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. George Walker IV / The Tennessean

Dino’s kitchen manager Taylor “Dip” Varnell looks out the doorway for customers to pick up their take-out orders Monday, March 16, 2020 in Nashville, Tenn. Dino’s Restaurant has moved to only take-out food after closing their dining room in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. George Walker IV / The Tennessean

Scott Wyatt with the Tennessee Department of Health, right, checks the temperature of Gov. Bill Lee staffer Hannah Ice before a press conference with Lee at the Tennessee State Capitol regarding the coronavirus, COVID-19, on Monday, March 16, 2020. Alan Poizner / For The Tennesean

Stephen Grinder wipes off his hands at The Southern Steak & Oyster Monday, March 16, 2020, in Nashville, Tenn. As a server making tips, Grinder was waiting for people to be seated at the restaurant, when they would normally be having a lunch rush. Courtney Pedroza / The Tennessean

Phillip Donaldson puts down his newspaper to look up towards the TV at the Pinnacle building Monday, March 16, 2020, in Nashville, Tenn. Donaldson would usually have several shoe shine clients by midday, but since people are now working from home due to the coronavirus, he had just one. Courtney Pedroza / The Tennessean

Gabby’s Burgers & Fries has closed its dining room and is only serving take-out food to their customers in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak Monday, March 16, 2020 in Nashville, Tenn. George Walker IV / The Tennessean

Chelsea Farley holds her children Cannon, 4, left, Asher, 2, center, and Charleston, 1, right, while watching a livestream where Maj. Gen. Brian Winksi and others from Fort Campbell address the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus and their response at the Farley household in Clarksville, Tenn., on Monday, March 16, 2020. Henry Taylor/The Leaf-Chronicle

The Rev. Meghan Ryan, Rector, passes on a small portion of bread to a parishioner in the last communion for the season, in the last service, at Trinity Episcopal Church in Clarksville, Tenn., on Sunday, March 15, 2020. Rev. Ryan sanitized her hands before the communion and the church did not share wine during the ceremony. Trinity held it’s last in-church service at 10 a.m. and made the announcement to the already thin crowd of parishioners that, while normally well over 100, counted maybe at 15. Henry Taylor/The Leaf-Chronicle

Yousef Jad looks out the window waiting for cars at The Southern Steak & Oyster Monday, March 16, 2020, in Nashville, Tenn. Jad is MTSU student who is also a valet, however with less people out he isn't parking enough cars to make ends meet. Courtney Pedroza / The Tennessean

Gabby’s Burgers & Fries employee Margaret Rogers delivers food to Steve Lojacono in his car Monday, March 16, 2020 in Nashville, Tenn. Gabby’s Burgers & Fries has shut down its dining room and is only serving take-out food to their customers in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. George Walker IV / The Tennessean

Bus driver Leanne "Big Momma" Alsup hands out a lunch bag and milk to Kievaughn Smith, 4, from a school bus at The Murfreesboro Hotel Monday, March 16, 2020. The Murfreesboro City Schools are using existing school buses and cafeteria buses to feed kids breakfast and lunch while schools are closed starting Monday, March 16, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ

Brandy Smotherman the asst. cafeteria manager at the Discovery School, gets ready to load sandwiches on a school bus at Reeves-Rogers Elem., on Monday 16, 2020, at Reeves-Rogers to pass out to children in the neighborhood. The Murfreesboro City Schools are using existing school buses and their cafeteria buses to feed kids breakfast and lunch while schools are closed starting Monday, March 16, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ

Overall Creek cafeteria employee looks over the prepared lunch bags to distribute to children in Murfreesboro, on Monday, March 16, 2020. The Murfreesboro City Schools are using existing school buses and cafeteria buses to feed kids breakfast and lunch while schools are closed starting Monday, March 16, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ

Singer-songwriter Bert Kencke walks along Lower Broadway wearing a gas mask after Nashville Mayor John Cooper asked bars to close and restaurants to limit capacity Sunday, March 15, 2020, in Nashville, Tenn. ““Don’t let the scare of the virus keep you from having a good time,” Kencke said, adding he was wearing the mask to protect his voice. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Jose Garcia, left, Leonardo Osorio, center, and Antonio Turner clean the Freedom Middle School lunch room in Franklin, Tenn., on Monday, March 9, 2020, as part of an entire school deep cleaning following the announcement of a coronavirus case in the county. Courtney Pedroza / The Tennessean

Vanderbilt University sophomore Jack Daley moves out of his dorm room in Nashville on Friday, March 13, 2020. Daley is moving his belongings to a storage unit and going back home to California after Vanderbilt moved classes online and asked students to move off campus. Shelley Mays/The Tennessean

Macon Co. sophomore cheerleader Mackenze Meador has a tear going down her cheek as she hugs senior cheerleader Bryn Hesson after it was announced that they can not attend any more games despite the win over Maplewood in the TSSAA Class AA girls basketball state tournament, due to growing concerns over the spread of the coronavirus, on Thursday, March 12, 2020, at MTSU. HELEN COMER/DNJ

A sign lets customers know they are limited to buying five water-related products at Kroger in Farragut on Thursday, March 12, 2020. Customers are buying essentials such as bottled water, paper products, disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer in preparation of the coronavirus. Submitted

Franklin Family Entertainment Center manager Matt Butler cleans bowling balls on Friday, March 13, 2020. Butler said the center has doubled its cleaning efforts on equipment, games and tables and chairs to stop the spread of coronavirus. The Tennessean, Shelley Mays/The Tennessean

Volunteers Cynthia Taylor and Warren Bonds help Helen Stewart put her bags in her car after receiving groceries from Impact Baptist Church in Memphis,Tenn., on Saturday, March 14, 2020. Ariel Cobbert/ The Commercial Appeal

Federal stimulus could help cities

The Senate approved a $2 trillion stimulus bill on Wednesday. The House is expected to vote on the measure Friday and then send it to President Donald Trump for his signature. It is the third — and by far the most expensive — package Congress has put together to address the coronavirus.

Part of the package includes $150 billion to help state and local governments, which have had major unanticipated expenses while losing revenue.

Gov. Bill Lee said Thursday that Tennessee could receive as much as $3 billion in relief, calling it a "significant amount of money." Lee said the state will likely get between $2 billion and $3 billion, part of which will be handed directly to the state's large cities. The remainder will be distributed to communities by the state.

It includes potential funding boosts for:

Disaster relief funding that state and local governments can access, and a popular funding program for local governments would also get a boost;

Child care programs to help meet emergency staffing needs so health care workers and other critical workers will have child care;

Public transit agencies, which have lost ridership, as well as airports;

Schools and colleges to continue to teach students as schools are closed;

State and local police and fire departments to help pay for overtime and for medical items like personal protective equipment.

It's not yet known how much relief Nashville will receive.

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Try viewing this in a modern browser like Chrome, Safari, Firefox or Internet Explorer 9 or later.

Tennessee has seen a 1,300% spike in unemployment claims as major employers shed workers. The virus has infected the state's tourism economy as visitors are staying home to help curb the spread, but the impact will be felt beyond the hospitality sector as consumer spending stalls.

In Nashville, all nonessential services are shut down. City officials have to work with the state, which collects all sales tax revenue. Metro is also working with the state comptroller regarding its dwindled rainy day fund.

With the already precarious budget situation before recent events, the city is focused on how quickly the city can replenish its reserves.

"It's a stormy season," Cooper said. "And we already did not have a rainy day fund."

The state comptroller had projected in November that by the end of the budget year on June 30, Metro was set to have just 21 days — $65.3 million — of cash on hand to operate its general fund and not even a day — $2.3 million — for its general purpose school fund.

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The Tennessee National Guard member Justin Chambers performs a coronavirus swab test at a drive-thur site at the Putnam County Health Department in Cookeville on Friday, March 27, 2020. They're among the 250 soldiers and airmen mobilized to 35 drive-up testing sites largely in rural areas to assist county health department workers. Another 1,000 guard members are on standby. The state hasn't yet determined how long the sites will remain open. Shelley Mays/The Tennessean

A Montgomery County medical staff member performs the nose swab test on Cynthia Barnes, left, to determine if she has the COVID19 coronavirus at the Montgomery County Health Department in Clarksville, Tenn., on Friday, March 20, 2020. Henry Taylor/The Leaf-Chronicle

Reflected in her car's side mirror, Cynthia Barnes, a Clarksville resident, answers questions pertaining to her symptoms before taking the swab test for COVID-19 coronavirus at the Montgomery County Health Department in Clarksville, Tenn., on Friday, March 20, 2020. Henry Taylor/The Leaf-Chronicle

The Tennessee National Guard members clean off protective gear after every coronavirus swab test at the drive-thru site at the Putnam County Health Department in Cookeville on Friday, March 27, 2020. They're among the 250 soldiers and airmen mobilized to 35 drive-up testing sites largely in rural areas to assist county health department workers. Another 1,000 guard members are on standby. The state hasn't yet determined how long the sites will remain open. Shelley Mays/The Tennessean

A member of the Montgomery County medical staff speaks with a patient seeking a test for COVID19 coronavirus at the Montgomery County Health Department in Clarksville, Tenn., on Friday, March 20, 2020. Henry Taylor/The Leaf-Chronicle

Williamson County Health Department nurses Kelly Thompson and Felicia Lee conduct COVID-19 tests at a drive-thru site at the West Main location in Franklin on April 2, 2020. Shelley Mays/The Tennessean

The Tennessee National Guard members and Putnam County Health Department nurses work together to take coronavirus assessments and tests at the drive -thru testing site at the Putnam County Health Department in Cookeville on Friday, March 27, 2020. Shelley Mays/The Tennessean

The Tennessee National Guard member performs a COVID-19 test on Frankie Rich at the drive-thru testing site at Putnam County Health Department in Cookeville on Friday, March 27, 2020. Rich saids she wanted to be tested because she was with person that tested positive for COVID-19. They're among the 250 soldiers and airmen mobilized to 35 drive-up testing sites largely in rural areas to assist county health department workers. Another 1,000 guard members are on standby. The state hasn't yet determined how long the sites will remain open. Shelley Mays/The Tennessean

The Tennessee National Guard member Justin Chambers performs a coronavirus swab test a drive-thur test site at the Putnam County Health Department in Cookeville on Friday, March 27, 2020. They're among the 250 soldiers and airmen mobilized to 35 drive-up testing sites largely in rural areas to assist county health department workers. Another 1,000 guard members are on standby. Shelley Mays/The Tennessean

Williamson County Health Department nurses Kelly Thompson and Felicia Lee put on their protective gear to conduct COVID-19 tests at a drive-thru site at the West Main location in Franklin on Thursday, April 2, 2020. Shelley Mays/The Tennessean

Williamson County Health Department nurses Kelly Thompson and Felicia Lee conduct COVID-19 assessments and tests at a drive-thru site at the West Main location in Franklin on Thursday, April 2, 2020. Shelley Mays/The Tennessean

The Tennessee National Guard members clean off protective gear after every coronavirus swab test at the drive-thru test site at the Putnam County Health Department in Cookeville on Friday, March 27, 2020. They're among the 250 soldiers and airmen mobilized to 35 drive-up testing sites largely in rural areas to assist county health department workers. Another 1,000 guard members are on standby. The state hasn't yet determined how long the sites will remain open. Shelley Mays/The Tennessean

The Tennessee National Guard member Austin Barnett suits up for coronavirus assessments and tests at a drive-thru testing site at the Putnam County Health Department in Cookeville on Friday, March 27, 2020. They're among the 250 soldiers and airmen mobilized to 35 drive-up testing sites largely in rural areas to assist county health department workers. Another 1,000 guard members are on standby. The state hasn't yet determined how long the sites will remain open. Shelley Mays/The Tennessean

Williamson County Health Department nurses Kelly Thompson and Felicia Lee put on their protective gear to conduct COVID-19 tests at a drive-thru site at the West Main location in Franklin on Thursday, April 2, 2020. Shelley Mays/The Tennessean

The Tennessee National Guard member Austin Barnett hands off coronavirus swab test to a nurse at a drive up test site at the Putnam County Health Department in Cookeville on Friday, March 27, 2020. They're among the 250 soldiers and airmen mobilized to 35 drive-up testing sites largely in rural areas to assist county health department workers. Another 1,000 guard members are on standby. The state hasn't yet determined how long the sites will remain open. Shelley Mays/The Tennessean

The Tennessee National Guard members are helping take coronavirus assessments and tests at the Putnam County Health Department in Cookeville on Friday, March 27, 2020. They're among the 250 soldiers and airmen mobilized to 35 drive-up testing sites largely in rural areas to assist county health department workers. Another 1,000 guard members are on standby. Shelley Mays/The Tennessean

Murfreesboro Medical Clinic nurse supervisor Diana Gingrow, stretches and tries to cool off in a breeze after administing COVID-19 test at the Murfreesboro Medical Clinic drive-thru site on Friday, March 27, 2020, in Murfreesboro, Tenn. Mark Zaleski /For The Tennessean

The Tennessee National Guard member Austin Barnett performs a coronavirus swab test at a drive-thru site at the Putnam County Health Department in Cookeville on Friday, March 27, 2020. They're among the 250 soldiers and airmen mobilized to 35 drive-up testing sites largely in rural areas to assist county health department workers. Another 1,000 guard members are on standby. The state hasn't yet determined how long the sites will remain open.
Shelley Mays/The Tennessean

Multiple teams of two Montgomery County medical staff greet and check symptoms of patients being tested for COVID19 coronavirus at the Montgomery County Health Department in Clarksville, Tenn., on Friday, March 20, 2020. Henry Taylor/The Leaf-Chronicle

Montgomery County medical staff speak with patients through their car windows asking about symptoms before carrying out the COVID19 coronavirus test at the Montgomery County Health Department in Clarksville, Tenn., on Friday, March 20, 2020. Henry Taylor/The Leaf-Chronicle

Montgomery County medical staff respond to the arrival of a car with patients in need of testing for COVID19 coronavirus at the Montgomery County Health Department in Clarksville, Tenn., on Friday, March 20, 2020. Henry Taylor/The Leaf-Chronicle

Cynthia Barnes, a Clarksville resident, explains her symptoms to Montgomery County medical staff before receiving a swab test for COVID19 coronavirus at the Montgomery County Health Department in Clarksville, Tenn., on Friday, March 20, 2020. Henry Taylor/The Leaf-Chronicle

Montgomery County medical staff speak with patients before evaluating for symptoms in a drive-thru line testing for COVID19 coronavirus at the Montgomery County Health Department in Clarksville, Tenn., on Friday, March 20, 2020. Henry Taylor/The Leaf-Chronicle

Montgomery County medical staff present a thermometer to patients in line for COVID-19 testing that will be used to check their temperature before the swab at the Montgomery County Health Department in Clarksville, Tenn., on Thursday, March 19, 2020. Henry Taylor/The Leaf-Chronicle

Montgomery County medical staff take a break on the bench inside the foyer while another looks out awaiting patients in need of a COVID19 coronavirus test at the drive-thru swabbing site at the Montgomery County Health Department in Clarksville, Tenn., on Friday, March 20, 2020. Henry Taylor/The Leaf-Chronicle

Montgomery County medical staff await residents arriving in need of testing for COVID19 at the Montgomery County Health Department in Clarksville, Tenn., on Friday, March 20, 2020. Henry Taylor/The Leaf-Chronicle

Montgomery County medical staff speak with a patient in need of testing for COVID19 coronavirus in their drive-thru swabbing station at the Montgomery County Health Department in Clarksville, Tenn., on Friday, March 20, 2020. Henry Taylor/The Leaf-Chronicle

Montgomery County medical staff speak with patients and record symptoms before taking temperatures at a drive-thru swabbing station at the Montgomery County Health Department in Clarksville, Tenn., on Friday, March 20, 2020. Henry Taylor/The Leaf-Chronicle

Montgomery County medical staff approach the side window of vehicles with patients seeking tests after checking symptoms for COVID19 coronavirus at the Montgomery County Health Department in Clarksville, Tenn., on Friday, March 20, 2020. Henry Taylor/The Leaf-Chronicle

A Montgomery County medical staff member heads out the front door on their way to seeing a patient in need of testing for COVID19 coronavirus at the Montgomery County Health Department in Clarksville, Tenn., on Friday, March 20, 2020. Henry Taylor/The Leaf-Chronicle

Montgomery County medical staff members look out the front door waiting for patients to drive up for COVID19 coronavirus testing at the Montgomery County Health Department in Clarksville, Tenn., on Friday, March 20, 2020. Henry Taylor/The Leaf-Chronicle

Montgomery County medical workers peer out the front door as other staff check patients at the drive-thru swabbing station for COVID-19 at the Montgomery County Health Department in Clarksville, Tenn., on Friday, March 20, 2020. Henry Taylor/The Leaf-Chronicle

Montgomery County medical staff speak with one another about patients symptoms while working the COVID19 coronavirus drive-thru swabbing site at the Montgomery County Health Department in Clarksville, Tenn., on Friday, March 20, 2020. Henry Taylor/The Leaf-Chronicle

Montgomery County medical staff members write down notes for patient records and await other patients in need of testing for COVID19 coronavirus at the drive-thru swabbing station at the Montgomery County Health Department in Clarksville, Tenn., on Friday, March 20, 2020. Henry Taylor/The Leaf-Chronicle

Montgomery County medical staffers slip on gloves and grab equipment to test patients for the coronavirus in their drive-thru swabbing station at the Montgomery County Health Department in Clarksville, Tenn., on Friday, March 20, 2020. Henry Taylor/The Leaf-Chronicle

Cynthia Barnes speaks with a Montgomery County medical staff member about lifestyle changes and how to quarantine herself after taking the swab test for COVID19 coronavirus at the Montgomery County Health Department in Clarksville, Tenn., on Friday, March 20, 2020. Henry Taylor/The Leaf-Chronicle

Montgomery County medical staff speak with those arriving for COVID-19 coronavirus tests at the Montgomery County Health Department in Clarksville, Tenn., on Thursday, March 19, 2020. Henry Taylor/The Leaf-Chronicle

Montgomery County medical staff check in with a patient to perform the COVID-19 check at the Montgomery County Health Department in Clarksville, Tenn., on Thursday, March 19, 2020. Henry Taylor/The Leaf-Chronicle

Montgomery County medical staff take samples for COVID-19 testing from a patient at the Montgomery County Health Department in Clarksville, Tenn., on Thursday, March 19, 2020. Henry Taylor/The Leaf-Chronicle

Montgomery County medical staff emerge from their offices with test kits for the COVID-19 swab at the Montgomery County Health Department in Clarksville, Tenn., on Thursday, March 19, 2020. Henry Taylor/The Leaf-Chronicle

A Montgomery County medical staffer presents the swab that will be used in their nose to collect a sample for COVID-19 testing at the Montgomery County Health Department in Clarksville, Tenn., on Thursday, March 19, 2020. Henry Taylor/The Leaf-Chronicle

Montgomery County medical staff walk back to their offices with a sample taken from a patient to test for presence of the COVID-19 virus at the Montgomery County Health Department in Clarksville, Tenn., on Thursday, March 19, 2020. Henry Taylor/The Leaf-Chronicle

Montgomery County medical staff take a sample from a patient at their car window that will be used to test for COVID-19 at the Montgomery County Health Department in Clarksville, Tenn., on Thursday, March 19, 2020. Henry Taylor/The Leaf-Chronicle

Montgomery County Sheriff’s deputies wait next to their cars while directing traffic for drive-thru operations at the Montgomery County Health Department in Clarksville, Tenn., on Thursday, March 19, 2020. Henry Taylor/The Leaf-Chronicle

Teresa Martin, right, waits in her car as her husband Jack Martin walks in to check when medical personnel will arrive to check Teresa for COVID-19 at the Montgomery County Health Department in Clarksville, Tenn., on Thursday, March 19, 2020. Henry Taylor/The Leaf-Chronicle

Healthcare professionals from Blount Memorial Hospital screen patients at a drive-through site at East Tennessee Medical Group in Alcoa on Wednesday, March 18, 2020. The screening includes potential testing for COVID-19 (coronavirus). Submitted by Blount Memorial Hospital

Health care professionals from Blount Memorial Hospital screen patients at a drive-thru site at East Tennessee Medical Group in Alcoa on Wednesday, March 18, 2020. The screening includes potential testing for COVID-19. Submitted by Blount Memorial Hospital

Healthcare professionals from Blount Memorial Hospital screen patients at a drive-through site at East Tennessee Medical Group in Alcoa on Wednesday, March 18, 2020. The screening includes potential testing for COVID-19 (coronavirus). Submitted by Blount Memorial Hospital

Healthcare professionals from Blount Memorial Hospital screen patients at a drive-through site at East Tennessee Medical Group in Alcoa on Wednesday, March 18, 2020. The screening includes potential testing for COVID-19 (coronavirus). Submitted by Blount Memorial Hospital

Healthcare professionals from Blount Memorial Hospital screen patients at a drive-through site at East Tennessee Medical Group in Alcoa on Wednesday, March 18, 2020. The screening includes potential testing for COVID-19 (coronavirus). Submitted by Blount Memorial Hospital

Healthcare professionals from Blount Memorial Hospital screen patients at a drive-through site at East Tennessee Medical Group in Alcoa on Wednesday, March 18, 2020. The screening includes potential testing for COVID-19 (coronavirus). Submitted by Blount Memorial Hospital

Healthcare professionals from Blount Memorial Hospital screen patients at a drive-through site at East Tennessee Medical Group in Alcoa on Wednesday, March 18, 2020. The screening includes potential testing for COVID-19 (coronavirus). Submitted by Blount Memorial Hospital

What the city did financially after May 2010 flood

Cooper is in a situation similar to former Mayor Karl Dean, who governed the city during the Great Recession and then after the historic May 2010 flood. Dean had to cut $60 million out of Metro’s operating budget and cut the Metro workforce by almost 700 people during the economic downtown.

After the flood, he refinanced about $190 million in debt to delay debt payments and avoid tax increase burdens on residents.

Cooper, though, is compounded by the two crises that have overlapped and with an already tight budget. This fiscal year Nashville is expected to pay $336.9 million on debt service, up 15% from fiscal 2019 alone. The climbing debt payments are straining the budget, crowding out salaries for teachers, police and other government workers.

Some of the rising burden can be traced to a decision by city officials during the recession.

Decisions made during that time as well as Nashville's recent boom have left a lot of people behind, said Brad Rayson, president of SEIU Local 205, the union that represents Metro employees and support staff in Metro schools.

"It is not just about surviving in difficult times," Rayson said in a statement. "For two years, our members have sounded the alarms about the precarious position our city has been in from bad choices and a lack of investment. If we retreat from this moment, we will just continue to make the situation worse.”

The city is largely left to cut expenses and increase revenue to get its finances in order, with Nashville’s debt payments reaching a record level and low reserves. The city will likely have to even more than before, and quickly, deliberate on possible tax increases.

Cooper and Mendes said the virus is leading to a more sudden and severe loss. The council member predicted Metro will have to raise taxes and refinance bond debt.

While the city has collected property tax revenue, the estimated $40.8 million in sale tax, nearly 40% from out of the county, it expected to collect for the year is falling fast.

"We're going to solve these problems and it won't be easy. You have to use every tool that you have," Cooper said. "Revenue increases from recurring sources, refinancing bond debt ... of course is on the table."

The administration, he said, will have to reduce capital spending plan approved by council two weeks ago, pull back from discretionary spending and review the city's priorities. Metro's mission is to protect and serve the people with the resources it has, including soon, from the state and federal government.

"Hope is not a plan. But I hope the city can get clarity from the federal government quickly," Mendes said.